Zinlaza blinked open her eyes. She swallowed hard trying to recall the events that took place, her throat dry. She looked around and a golden sunlight poured through the room. Her heart pounded with anxiety. She shifted slightly and winced. One of her arms was in a sling; she was in a soft ivy cotte dress. Of course, how could she have forgotten? What happened? She wondered.
"My lady…" A voice called and directed her attention.
A tall brunette elf approached her slowly. Zinlaza panicked. Where was she?
"Who are you?" She demanded, trying to be as menacing as possible. Yet she was vulnerable. All she could remember was Kili coming to her rescue just in the nick of time. Where was Fili? He had brought her here, had he not? That's when she really began to worry. "Lady, it is alright! All is well!" The young elf man knelt to her bed and tried to reassure her. "You are in Rivendell!"
Rivendell! She thought. It had been many years since she had been in Rivendell. But how had they gotten there? She wondered. And in all seriousness, where was Fili?
"You have been here for not quite a day. Your dwarven companions are here and they are fine. They are with the Lord Elrond and Gandalf and I was told to care for you until you had regained consciousness."
Zinlaza sighed in relief and sat back in the bed. "Where are they? I must rejoin my company!"
The elf chuckled and helped Zinlaza up. He did not seem much older than her, but she knew that might not have really been true.
"They told me you wouldn't heed to my warning of needing rest. I will take you to them." She blushed slightly as the elf steadied her.
"I am Ruinon, a healer of Imladris." He bowed to her.
"I am Zinlaza, daughter of Fozmur. At your service." She curtsied and smiled as Ruinon guided her out the door of their house of healing.
"It is known to me." He gently held her arm without causing her pain. "The Lord Elrond said you are a guest of high honor. A half-dwarf with the smithing skill of an elf!" Zinlaza nodded politely.
"I would not say high honor, but yes I do know how to smith like an elf! Tell me Ruinon, is Angmir still here?" She asked, hopeful that he had not taken the ships across the sea.
"He in fact is, Lady Zinlaza! He came by to check on you when you were not yet conscious. He said he hoped you knew to stop by once you came to."
"Ruinon, take me there first! It has been far too long, and I do not remember my way around." She tried to recall where the house of healing was in regards to the rest of Rivendell.
Ruinon guided her to the smithy. She could hear the clang of metal on metal as they approached. Filled with adrenaline, she didn't need Ruinon to help steady her anymore.
"Angmir?" Zinlaza raced inside. Inside was an elder elf. Soft wrinkles covered his face as he had seen many years of the world. He had shoulder length brown hair that was tied back. He brushed his brow with his forearm and turned to look at Zinlaza.
"Zinlaza! My goodness." She felt her eyes well up with tears. He quickly set down his equipment and approached her.
"I would hug you…but…" She laughed behind her tears of joy and tried to semi-shrug her shoulders, one in a sling.
"Hush, girl." He laughed heartily. "You always did try to explain the obvious."
"I am a stubborn dwarf." She rolled her eyes.
"Well my goodness. I do not even know what to say! You seem so much older yet, like no time has passed at all!" He pulled up two chairs and the two sat and smiled. Angmir was very much like a father figure to Zinlaza, and she knew her father would have been proud that she learned so much underneath him.
"Angmir, I have perfected my axes!" It was the first thing on her mind that she was ecstatic to share with her former master.
"I've already seen them, mellon. When I came by to see you in the house of healing, they were beside your bed. Zinlaza…I can't even begin to tell you how impressed I am! The intricacies on the blade with the mithril runes…and the sturdiness! You have surpassed my skill. You have no more you could possibly learn from me." He nodded to her in respect.
"I couldn't possibly think of a better compliment my dear friend." She glanced down at the floor.
There was a brief pause. Zinlaza's smile began to soften and she looked down at her feet. He was right, so much time had passed but it felt that it was only yesterday that she was learning from him.
"Well, we might as well tie loose ends, Zinlaza. Last I saw you, you disappeared in the night. I take it you took my advice and went to visit the ruin of Dale?"
Zinlaza grew somber and nodded.
"Then I am right to think that it did not give you the closure you sought?" He pushed further.
She shook her head.
"I thought as much when you did not return. Fear not, my dear. The answers that you seek will soon be revealed to you. Have patience. Do not be hasty." He lifted her chin to look her in the eye. She tried to keep the tears out of her eyes.
"Angmir, I'm frightened. So much has been happening. I have been growing more angry as each day passes."
"Yes, the days are growing darker and evil is creeping its way back into our world. This is not the world that was so peaceful at one time. But you know this. You've endured more hardships than most. It is right for you to keep anger in your heart, but do not throw it at those who have not hindered you, Zinlaza. You've always been strong. Be stronger than your temper."
She swallowed hard but nodded in understanding.
"Now, I'm sure you are eager to get back with your company. We will have many more opportunities to talk before you depart again, Zinlaza. Get going!" He shooed her out of his smithy. Ruinon, who had been waiting outside, took her by the arm again.
"Are you ready to return to your company, milady?"
"Yes, most certainly." She smiled as her heart pounded; it was time to return to Fili.
